The IOD aligns its projects and strategic initiatives with current and emerging national, regional, and state priorities related to individuals with disabilities. A majority of IOD grants and programs are concentrated within the following areas:
Assistive Technology, Community Living & Employment, Health & Genetics, Inclusive Early Care & Education

The IOD makes significant contributions to the body of knowledge related to disability through a variety of research and evaluation activities including data analysis, focus group facilitation, model demonstration projects, or project outcome evaluation.

The IOD supports the efforts of consumers and professionals to create more inclusive communities by providing local, regional, and national services, that represent current and emerging best practices.

Did You Know?

April 14, 2016

For the first time in months, two major economic indicators showed positive results this April for people with disabilities. In the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Jobs Report released Friday, May 6, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 27.0 percent in April 2015 to 27.9 percent in April 2016 (up 3.3 percent; 0.9 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased only slightly, from 72.2 percent in April 2015 to 72.6 percent in April 2016 (up 0.6 percent; 0.4 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).

To learn more about these trends, join the Employment Policy and Measurement Rehabilitation and Research Training Center the first Friday of every month for the brand new nTIDE Lunch & Learn Webinar.
These webinars come on the same day that the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its monthly Jobs Report. The National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Report looks into the numbers as they relate to people with disabilities.

In addition to a discussion on the most recent findings and long-time trends, the webinar will include news and updates from the field of Disability Employment, as well as guest presentations each month that will look at current disability-related research, programs, and initiatives.

Upcoming presentations include: Chai Feldblum, Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner, in June, and Allison Wohl, Executive Director of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
Learn more about the Webinars and register for upcoming sessions at www.researchondisability.org/ntide. You can also follow along with the conversation online at #nTIDELearn.